Demountable cantilever storage racks

ABSTRACT

A demountable cantilever storage rack comprises a plurality of vertical posts, each having a plurality of key projections on opposite sides. Horizontal load bearing arms comprise a pair of horizontal members fitting on opposite sides of a vertical post and engaging corresponding key projections. Bolts on opposite sides of the vertical post extend through the two component members to clamp it securely to the post. The rack is stabilized by a pair of base members clamped to opposite sides of each vertical post and having lug projections nesting between successive key projections of the vertical post.

United States Patent DAltrui 51 Oct. 17, 1972 [54] DEMOUNTABLE CANTILEVER STORAGE RACKS [72] Inventor: Thomas N. DAltrui, 667 Evergreen Parkway, Union, NJ 07083 [22] Filed: Jan. 7, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 104,590

[52] US. Cl. ..211/176, 287/54 B, 287/189.36 R

[51] Int. Cl ..A47f 5/10,F16b 7/18 [58] Field of Search ..211/176-177, 148, 2l 1/182;l08/108,l09, 107,106,110; 248/243; 287/18936 R, 189.36 F, 54 B, 54

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,081,139 3/1963 Hines et a1 ..211/176X 3,212,648 10/1965 Baker et al ..211/176 X 3,251,478 5/1966 Frazier ..211/176 3,489,291 l/l970 Frazier ..211/176 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 944,971 6/1956 Germany ..211/177 Primary Examiner-Ramon S. Britts Attorney-Roderick B. Anderson [57] ABSTRACT A demountable cantilever storage rack comprises a plurality of vertical posts, each having a plurality of key projections on opposite sides. Horizontal load bearing arms comprise a pair of horizontal members fitting on opposite sides of a vertical post and engaging corresponding key projections. Bolts on opposite sides of the vertical post extend through the two component members to clamp it securely to the post. The rack is stabilized by a pair of base members clamped to opposite sides of each vertical post and having lug projections nesting between successive key projections of the vertical post.

5 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures I PATENTEUUBI 11 m2 SHEET 1 0F 2 /NVENTOR BYTHOMAS N. AL TRU/ wgw ATTORNEY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to storage racks, and more particularly, to demountable cantilever storage racks that can be easily assembled and modified.

As is pointed out, for example, in the patent of DAltrui US. Pat. No. 3,371,798, issued Mar. 5, 1968, cantilever storage racks are often favored for storing bulky industrial materials because of the ease with which such materials can be stored or removed with the aid of a fork-lift truck. Such racks typically comprise a plu- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide a dependable demountable cantilever storage rack.

It is another object of this invention to reduce the cost of readily demountable and adjustable cantilever storage racks.

It is still another object of this invention to increase the ease with which demountable storage racks may be assembled, disassembled and adjusted.

These and other objects of the invention are attained in' an illustrative embodiment comprising a plurality of vertical l-beam posts, each supporting a plurality of load-bearing arms. Key projections extend from opposite sides of the vertical posts through apertures in the load-bearing arms.

In one embodiment, the load-bearing arms each comprise a pair of horizontal members each having a pair of rectangular apertures. The horizontal members are clamped on opposite sides of the vertical post with corresponding key projections extending through the apertures. A pair of bolts extending through the horizontal members on opposite sides of the post clamp the horizontal members securelyto the post to give reliable cantilever mounting at one end of each load-bearing arm. Since each I-beam vertical post comprises a pair of parallel walls joined by a central web, it is convenient to provide two rows of key projections as required for stable mounting.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the horizontal members do not contain apertures for receiving the key projections, but rather, are of a proper width to be nested between successive pairs of key projections of the vertical post. Each pair of horizontal members is clamped together to form a loadbearing arm as described before, but they are constrained by key projections on opposite sides, rather opposite sides of each vertical post in a manner similar to that described above. Each of the base members, however, includes a plurality of lug projections extending inwardly toward the vertical post. Each lug projection has a width substantially equal to the separation of successive key projections and nests between successive key projections of the vertical post. The width of each base membermay typically be sufficient to accommodate three parallel lug projections engaging the vertical post as mentioned.

From the foregoing, it is clear that the cantilever storage rack is easily assembled, and the relative positions of the horizontal load-bearing arms are easily adjusted. A significant advantage is that there need be no welding of either the vertical posts or the load-bearing arms, which are the most numerous of the structural components. As compared with other cantilever storage racks, this advantage constitutes a substantial economy of structural fabrication.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

DRAWING DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a partially fragmented perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view taken along lines 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view taken along lines 33 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of part of a cantilever storage rack assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a demountable cantilever storage rack in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention comprising a vertical post 1 1 supported by first and second base members 12 and 13. A plurality of horizontal load-bearing-arms 14 are each mounted at one end to the vertical post 11. For purposes of simplicity and clarity, other component vertical posts of the complete storage rack have not been shown. The adjacent vertical posts are connected together for structural strength and stability by cross braces 16;

The cantilever storage rack is typically used by placing a loaded pallet onadjacent load-bearing arms 14; for example, between a load-bearing arm shown on FIG. 1 and a corresponding load-bearing arm of the same height extending from an adjacent vertical post 1 1. Such racks can conveniently be loaded by a fork-lift truck facing the free ends of the load-bearing arms. Such racks are also obviously well adapted for storing long, rigid stock such as structural steel. The base members 12 and 13 are relatively massive and extend a A load-bearing arm may securely be mounted to a vertical post by placing horizontal members 22 and 23 on opposite sides of the post such that the post key projections 21 engage the rectangular slots 25 as shown. Bolts 27 then may be extended through bolt apertures 26 to securely clamp the horizontal members to the vertical post. The bolts 27 are, of course, secured by nuts 28 which, when backed off a sufficient distance, permit the horizontal members 22 and 23 to be separated and disengaged from the key projections 21 so that the load-bearing arm 14 mayconveniently be adjusted in position without the necessity of removing bolts 27 from apertures 26. The horizontal members 22 and 23 are preferably U-shaped members as is shown to provide optimum structural strength as well as a practical load-bearing upper surface.

The vertical post is stabilized by base members 12 and 13 which are clamped to the vertical post by bolts 31 that extend through apertures, 32. Welded to the base members are a plurality of lug projections 33, each of which nests between successive key projections 21 of the vertical post. The width or vertical dimension of each lug projection is slightly smaller than the vertical distance between successive key projections 21, while the thickness of each lug projection 33 is slightly larger than the length or horizontal dimension of each key projection 21 so as to provide a snug fit for maximum stability. The base members 12 and 13 are preferably interconnected at opposite ends thereof as shown in FIG. 1 to further insure stability.

Cross braces 16 are preferably fastened at opposite ends to vertical posts 11 by a bracket 35 which surrounds the vertical post as best seen in FIG. 3. The

thickness or vertical dimension of the bracket 35 is slightly smaller than the vertical separation between successive key projections 21 so that the bracket may snugly nest between successive projections as shown. The bracket comprises two U-shaped components fastened together by bolts 36 as best shown in FIG. 3.

The rectangular key apertures 25 in the horizontal members 22 and 23 may be avoided if so desired by making the width or vertical dimension of members 22 and 23 slightly smaller than the separation between successive key projections to permit them to be supported between successive key projections as shown in FIG. 4. Horizontal members 22 and 23 of FIG. 4 are nested between successive key projections 21', but are clamped to the vertical posts as before. While the elimination of the rectangular apertures 25 may strengthen the horizontal members, this embodiment restricts the width of the horizontal members.

From the foregoing it can be appreciated that my demountable cantilever storage rack is easily fabricated because most of the components require no welding. The only welding required is the lugs 33 of the base members, and relatively few base members are required. The key projections 21 are easily formed in a conventional l-beam by a simple cutting operation. The various apertures are, of course, easy to provide.

Once fabricated, the structure is plainly convenient to assemble and to adjust during its use. The use of an I- beam as the vertical post and U-beams for load-bearing arms give advantages of structural strength with a minimum amount of total weight or mass of the structural components.

Various embodiments and modifications of the invention other than those specifically shown may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A demountable cantilever storage rack comprisa plurality of vertical l-beam posts, each for supporting one end of each of a plurality of horizontal load-bearing arms;

each vertical post comprising first and second parallel walls joined by a central web; I a plurality of key projections extending from opposite edges of the first wall and from opposite edges of the second wall to define substantially right angle corners therewith, the projections extending from opposite edges of the walls at discrete vertical locations;

each horizontal load-bearing arm comprising a pair of horizontal members fitted on opposite sides of a vertical post;

the component horizontal members of each loadbearing arm having a pair of apertures for engaging projections on the edge of each of the first and second walls, the walls of the projection-engaging apertures extending ina direction substantially parallel to the adjacent surfaces of the projections; a pair of bolt apertures in each horizontal member on opposite sides of the corresponding vertical post;

' and means comprising bolts extending through bolt apertures of two component horizontal members of a load-bearing armfor connecting the horizontal members together and for clamping the loadbearing arm to the vertical post.

2. The storage rack of claim 1 wherein:

the vertical distance between successive key projections is larger than the vertical dimension of a horizontal member, whereby the horizontal members may be nested between successive key projections.

3. The storage rack of claim 1 further comprising:

a base for stabilizing the rack comprising first and second base members clamped to opposite sides of each vertical post;

each base member having a substantially flat vertical wall and a substantially flat horizontal wall extending outwardly from an edge of the vertical wall;

a plurality of lug projections extending inwardly from the vertical wall;

the vertical dimension of each lug projection being slightly smaller than the vertical distance between successive key projections, whereby the lug projections may be nested between successive key projections;

means for bolting together component first and second members of each base.

4. A demountable cantilever storage rack comprisa plurality of I-beam vertical posts, each for supporting one end of each of a plurality of horizontal load-bearing arms;

each vertical post comprising first and second parallel walls joined by a central web;

a plurality of key projections extending from opposite edges of the first wall and from opposite edges of the second wall, the projections extending from opposite edges of the walls at discrete vertical locations; 1

each horizontal load-bearing arm comprising a pair of horizontal members fitted on opposite sides of a vertical post;

the component horizontal members of each loadbearing arm engaging corresponding 'key projections on opposite sides of a vertical post;

a pair of bolt apertures in each horizontal member on opposite sides of the corresponding vertical post; means comprising bolts extending through bolt apertures of two component horizontal members of a load-bearing arm for connecting the horizontal members together and 'for clamping the load-bearing arm to the vertical post;

a base for stabilizing the rack comprising firstand second base members clamped to opposite sides of each vertical post;

each base member having a substantially flat vertical wall and a substantially flat horizontal wall extending outwardly from an edge of the vertical wall;

a plurality of lug projections extending inwardly from the vertical wall;

the vertical dimension of each lug projection being slightly smaller than the vertical distance between successive key projections, whereby the lug .projections may be nested between successive key projections;

means for bolting together component first and second members of each base;

a cross brace for interconnecting and bracing adjacent vertical posts; and

means for attaching said cross braces to said vertical posts, each comprising a bracket surrounding a vertical post and bolted to the cross brace;

the vertical dimension of the bracket being smaller than the vertical distance between successive key projections, whereby the bracket may be nested between successive key projections.

5. A-demountable cantilever storage rack comprisa plurality of vertical I-beam posts, each for supporting one end of each of a plurality of horizontal load-bearing arms;

each vertical post comprising first and second parallel walls joined by a central web;

a plurality of key projections extending from opposite edges of the first wall and from opposite edges of the second wall to define substantially right angle corners therewith, the projections extending from opposite edges of the walls at discrete vertical locations;

each horizontal load-bearing arm comprising a pair of horizontal members each having a vertical dimension smaller than the vertical distance between successive key projections;

the component horizontal members of each loadbearing arm being fitted between successive key projections and having surfaces substantially parallel to adjacent surfaces of the key projections;

a pair of bolt apertures in each horizontal member on opposite sides of the corresponding vertical post;

and means comprising bolts extending through bolt apertures of two component horizontal members 0 a load-bearing arm for connecting the horizontal members together and for clamping the loadbearing arm to the vertical post. 

1. A demountable cantilever storage rack comprising: a plurality of vertical I-beam posts, each for supporting one end of each of a plurality of horizontal load-bearing arms; each vertical post comprising first and second parallel walls joined by a central web; a plurality of key projections extending from opposite edges of the first wall and from opposite edges of the second wall to define substantially right angle corners therewith, the projections extending from opposite edges of the walls at discrete vertical locations; each horizontal load-bearing arm comprising a pair of horizontal members fitted on opposite sides of a vertical post; the component horizontal members of each load-bearing arm having a pair of apeRtures for engaging projections on the edge of each of the first and second walls, the walls of the projection-engaging apertures extending in a direction substantially parallel to the adjacent surfaces of the projections; a pair of bolt apertures in each horizontal member on opposite sides of the corresponding vertical post; and means comprising bolts extending through bolt apertures of two component horizontal members of a load-bearing arm for connecting the horizontal members together and for clamping the load-bearing arm to the vertical post.
 2. The storage rack of claim 1 wherein: the vertical distance between successive key projections is larger than the vertical dimension of a horizontal member, whereby the horizontal members may be nested between successive key projections.
 3. The storage rack of claim 1 further comprising: a base for stabilizing the rack comprising first and second base members clamped to opposite sides of each vertical post; each base member having a substantially flat vertical wall and a substantially flat horizontal wall extending outwardly from an edge of the vertical wall; a plurality of lug projections extending inwardly from the vertical wall; the vertical dimension of each lug projection being slightly smaller than the vertical distance between successive key projections, whereby the lug projections may be nested between successive key projections; means for bolting together component first and second members of each base.
 4. A demountable cantilever storage rack comprising: a plurality of I-beam vertical posts, each for supporting one end of each of a plurality of horizontal load-bearing arms; each vertical post comprising first and second parallel walls joined by a central web; a plurality of key projections extending from opposite edges of the first wall and from opposite edges of the second wall, the projections extending from opposite edges of the walls at discrete vertical locations; each horizontal load-bearing arm comprising a pair of horizontal members fitted on opposite sides of a vertical post; the component horizontal members of each load-bearing arm engaging corresponding key projections on opposite sides of a vertical post; a pair of bolt apertures in each horizontal member on opposite sides of the corresponding vertical post; means comprising bolts extending through bolt apertures of two component horizontal members of a load-bearing arm for connecting the horizontal members together and for clamping the load-bearing arm to the vertical post; a base for stabilizing the rack comprising first and second base members clamped to opposite sides of each vertical post; each base member having a substantially flat vertical wall and a substantially flat horizontal wall extending outwardly from an edge of the vertical wall; a plurality of lug projections extending inwardly from the vertical wall; the vertical dimension of each lug projection being slightly smaller than the vertical distance between successive key projections, whereby the lug projections may be nested between successive key projections; means for bolting together component first and second members of each base; a cross brace for interconnecting and bracing adjacent vertical posts; and means for attaching said cross braces to said vertical posts, each comprising a bracket surrounding a vertical post and bolted to the cross brace; the vertical dimension of the bracket being smaller than the vertical distance between successive key projections, whereby the bracket may be nested between successive key projections.
 5. A demountable cantilever storage rack comprising: a plurality of vertical I-beam posts, each for supporting one end of each of a plurality of horizontal load-bearing arms; each vertical post comprising first and second parallel walls joined by a central web; a plurality of key projections extending from opposite edges oF the first wall and from opposite edges of the second wall to define substantially right angle corners therewith, the projections extending from opposite edges of the walls at discrete vertical locations; each horizontal load-bearing arm comprising a pair of horizontal members each having a vertical dimension smaller than the vertical distance between successive key projections; the component horizontal members of each load-bearing arm being fitted between successive key projections and having surfaces substantially parallel to adjacent surfaces of the key projections; a pair of bolt apertures in each horizontal member on opposite sides of the corresponding vertical post; and means comprising bolts extending through bolt apertures of two component horizontal members of a load-bearing arm for connecting the horizontal members together and for clamping the load-bearing arm to the vertical post. 